To the editor:

I commend all who choose to serve their communities as an elected official at a time when so many people have lost confidence in our institutions and use hateful language to make their opinions known.

We Americans have the freedom and unprecedented means to express ourselves.  Disagreements are inevitable, but, when respectful and based on facts, they are energizing because they force us to defend our positions. Sometimes we change our minds, and often we make compromises.  Facts are important, and it takes an effort to distinguish fact from fiction.

Honesty should be the essential ingredient in all our political conversations. I well remember hearing our current U.S. Rep., Jack Bergman, speak at a gathering atop the Franklin Square Inn on January 4, 2020. He was asked, “Do you think it’s important for elected officials to tell the truth?” He dodged the question, and it was obvious that he had practiced evading the topic. I could hardly believe my ears.

On January 13 of this year, I attended Dr. Bob Lorinser’s first public town hall meeting, via Zoom, to make himself known to the voters of the First Congressional District. He is from Marquette, and he is running against Jack Bergman. His first priority is wisdom, immediately followed by integrity, justice, courage, equality and democratic freedom. His entire career has been as a public servant, in the field of public health, and he has had assignments in Pakistan, South Korea, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Iraq, which are not usual travel destinations.

You will have many opportunities to hear “Dr. Bob” in the weeks and months ahead.  His town hall meetings are open to everyone, not just Democrats, and he is eager to have civil debates.  

Jack Bergman’s record is easily found.  Remember, he still refuses to acknowledge the important results of the 2020 election, except for the one that kept him in office. 

The area of our First Congressional District of MI is huge. Hooray for the internet that makes it possible for candidates to reach out to us without having to travel, sometimes thousands of miles. The candidates are expending time and energy to win our support, and it is our responsibility as citizens to become informed and to make wise choices.